ST. JOHN’S, NL – The provincial government announced more than $90,000 in funding for cultural competency training on Tuesday, Jan. 23.

A portion of the funding - $33,599 - will go to Memorial University’s Internationalization Office to design and deliver training sessions for frontline employees with the provincial government, starting with the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development.

The Association for New Canadians will receive the remainder to provide the training in community, private, and other workplaces around the province, particularly in Labrador and the central and western regions of the island.

According to a news release from the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, cultural competency training promotes attitudes, behaviours and skills that allow diverse individuals to work together successfully.

“Cultural competency is an important part of creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, whether in the workplace or while receiving services. We all benefit when we enhance our ability to interact with each other in ways that respect the rich diversity of cultures,” Advanced Education, Skills and Labour Minister Al Hawkins said.

As the training specifically responds to a recommendation in an investigative report by child and youth advocate Jackie Lake-Kavanagh, she has been made aware of the training, the release notes.

“This Cultural Competence Training program is welcomed as part of building a stronger and more supportive response to immigrant and refugee children and their families in this province,” Lake-Kavanagh said. “I am pleased to see a timely response to our recommendation on this specific issue, and one built with such credible partnerships.”